University-led mission-oriented research and innovation: A Framework for catalysing large-scale transdisciplinary research

In response to the growing calls for universities to play a more proactive role in addressing societal challenges, this Report presents a framework for encouraging mission-oriented research and innovation initiatives within university settings. Missions are characterised by their bold ambition, problem-driven and solutions-oriented focus, and explicit, time-bound impact goals, undertaken through deep, sustained partnerships with academic and non-academic stakeholders. Most scholarship and practice has focused on government-led missions and industrial policy. This Report fills a gap in scholarship and guidance on the roles of universities in catalysing and stewarding mission-oriented initiatives. It explores the opportunities and constraints of university research ecosystems to catalyse, lead, and steward missions with the aim to support and guide others embarking on university-led challenge research initiatives. It shares empirical insights and lessons learned and gathered from an in-depth analysis of 12 case studies spanning 15 years at Monash University. A Framework for catalysing university-led mission-oriented research is presented. By sharing empirical insights and best practices, our aim is to support and guide others embarking on university-led challenge research initiatives. The seven elements include: (1) research excellence and impact; (2) transformational leadership; (3) external partnerships and consortia; (4) an entrepreneurial spirit; (5) institutional supports and innovation; (6) tiger teams to deliver; and (7) thinking and working politically. Rather than a simple step-by-step ‘how to’ guide, the Framework with its interconnected seven elements seeks to strengthen systems, cultures and capabilities — at a range of levels — for responsibly growing university-led research missions. Furthermore, the Framework offers a typological schema that categorises mission-oriented endeavours into four main types — discovery, practice, policy and community — reflecting there is no ‘one size fits all’, with a diversity of drivers aligned with the specific nature of the problems and potential solutions evident. The tensions and challenges inherent in implementing mission-oriented research within university settings are also explored. Challenges include providing transition phase support, enhancing delivery capabilities, offering effective stewardship of partnerships, and aligning academic workloads with mission activities. Addressing these challenges necessitates the evolution of organisational structures and systems, the implementation of talent development initiatives, and the adoption of innovative approaches to external partnerships. The Framework offers a tool for university leaders, administrators, academics, research staff, funders, and policymakers who are embarking on university-led challenge research initiatives or seeking to navigate the complexities of advancing mission-oriented endeavours. Furthermore, this Report contributes to the scholarly discourse surrounding mission-oriented research and innovation, shedding light on the roles of universities and their researchers within the innovation ecosystem and the opportunities to address sectoral and societal challenges in tandem with fundamental discovery-driven research.